Diesel Spill at Secaucus Data Center Prompts Calls for New Jersey Moratorium
Around 5,000 gallons of diesel leaked from an Equinix data center in Secaucus, New Jersey, flowing into Anderson Creek. While cleanup efforts are underway, the incident has intensified calls for a statewide moratorium on new data center development. Governor Mikie Sherrill has also proposed a bill requiring data centers to report electricity and water usage.
Approximately 5,000 gallons of diesel fuel spilled from a storage tank at an Equinix data center under construction in Secaucus, New Jersey, flowing into Anderson Creek. The New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) reported that workers stopped the fuel before it reached the Hackensack River, and about 3,500 gallons had been recovered by Monday.
The incident, attributed to a computer glitch, has sparked renewed calls for a statewide moratorium on data center development in New Jersey. Ben Dziobek of the Climate Revolution Action Network stated that the spill exemplifies the consequences of unregulated industry operations and urged for a statewide ban, noting that close to 100 towns, including Jersey City and Bayonne, have already blocked new facilities. Secaucus Mayor Michael Gonnelli confirmed the spill was contained and that drinking water remained safe, although he anticipates Equinix may face a fine. He also mentioned that Governor Mikie Sherrill has proposed legislation requiring data centers to report their electricity and water usage to mitigate rising utility bills for residents.